And the top level of the women’s game is travelling that road at an increased velocity.

Things have moved on - even in the last few years.

While the Hope Powell era - she coached the England team on a full-time basis from 1998-2013 - provided the bedrock for a new era, Mark Sampson’s arrival as coach has seen England progress further.

England haven’t reached a World Cup semi-final at any level since Bobby Robson lead Gazza and Co in Italia 90.

Manchester City’s five-strong contingent - Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Lucy Bronze, Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott - provided the backbone to Sampson’s squad and it’s no coincidence given the Blues’ professional approach to the women’s game. No second-class Cityzens at the new City Football Academy.

See our gallery of action from England's games against Japan and Canada below

Despite the improvements, what has perhaps been most telling is the response of men to England’s heartbreaking defeat to Japan in the early hours of Thusday.

Of course, the usual same old rubbish was spouted by a significant number.

But social media was awash with ordinary football fans - male and female - backing their team. Passionate in support, gutted by defeat.

No-one is pretending that women’s football matches men’s in terms of power, speed or even finesse.

That’s not the point. It doesn’t have to to be a relevant, compelling, exciting spectacle. Not all men’s football is a masterclass of David Silva standards (England men, that means you) but plenty turn out to spectate.

England can seal third place at the World Cup with a win over Germany on Saturday.